Finding clients as a personal trainer: 7 approaches that work in the Netherlands
Most trainers find clients through Google Maps, referrals and happy clients who tell others. Here is how to do that, even without your own studio and for any sport.
- Make sure you are found (Google Maps) and that people can book straight away (one link).
- Ask every happy client for a review and a referral.
- Work with people who already see your clients: physiotherapists, dietitians, sports clubs.
1. Be on Google Maps, even without a studio
When someone looks for a trainer nearby, there is often a map with businesses at the top. You get there with a free Google Business Profile. If you don’t have your own studio and train at clients’ homes or outdoors, you create a profile as a service-area business:
- Hide your address if you don’t receive clients there (Google).
- Choose your areas: cities, postcodes or neighbourhoods, up to 20, within about two hours’ drive (Google).
- Add your booking link to your profile, so people can pick a time right away.
- Add real photos of you at work, and fill in your sports and how you work.
2. One booking link, everywhere
Every step between “interesting” and “booked” costs you clients. Use one link where people see your open times and pay straight away, and put it everywhere: your Instagram bio, your WhatsApp status, your Google profile and as a QR code on your business card or flyer. No more back-and-forth messages about times.
3. Ask for reviews at the right moment
The best moment is right after a session where something worked: a new personal best, an exercise that finally went well. Ask in person and send the link straight away. Buying reviews or having them written is not allowed: the ACM acts against fake reviews and bought likes.
4. Work with referral partners
People who already see your ideal clients can recommend you. Think of:
- Physiotherapists, for clients who want to keep training after treatment.
- Dietitians and lifestyle coaches, for clients who also want to move more.
- Sports clubs (padel, tennis, running), for members who want to improve technique or strength.
- Local businesses, for training at work or during lunch.
Make it easy: give them your booking link and agree how you report back, with the client’s consent.
5. Let happy clients spread the word
Your best new client is the friend of a happy client. Just ask: “Do you know anyone who would get something out of this too?” A small thank-you, such as an extra session, is fine; be honest that it is a thank-you.
6. An introduction that works
A free trial sometimes attracts people who just want to have a look. A short paid introduction often works better: people who pay actually show up. Large chains do the same; Basic-Fit sells a 60-minute intro for €25. At the end of the introduction, book the next session straight away.
7. Show how you train
Short videos on Instagram or TikTok work when they show something people recognise or want to learn: doing an exercise well, a common mistake, a week in the life of a client (with consent). One clear idea per video, and your booking link in your bio. A group class or bootcamp is also an easy first step for new clients. How group classes work on Gymies
How Gymies helps
On Gymies you have a profile with a link you can share anywhere. Clients see your open times and your price, book directly and pay in advance, and your cancellation rules are fixed. Once Gymies is open in your city, people looking for a trainer can also find you through Gymies. That works for any sport. See Gymies for trainers
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way for a personal trainer to get clients?
First make sure people can find you and book straight away: a Google Business Profile and one booking link. Then ask every happy client for a review and a referral. That combination almost always works better than ads.
Can I be on Google Maps without my own studio?
Yes. If you train at clients’ homes or outdoors, you create a Business Profile as a service-area business. You hide your address and choose up to 20 areas where you work, within about two hours’ drive (Google).
Should I offer a free trial session?
You don’t have to. A short paid introduction also works and attracts people who are serious. Large chains do the same: Basic-Fit sells a 60-minute intro for €25.
Can I buy reviews or followers?
No. Fake reviews and bought likes or followers are misleading; the Dutch regulator ACM acts against them. Ask real clients for a review at the moment they are most satisfied.